Holloman Air Force Base

Holloman Air Force Base is a military facility. Civilian access may be restricted or require Prior Permission (PPR). Pilots should consult the US AIP for current access procedures and restrictions.

Overview

Holloman Air Force Base is a medium-sized military airport located near Alamogordo, New Mexico, situated at an elevation of 4,093 feet MSL. The base hosts multiple lengthy runways, with the longest at 12,800 feet, supporting complex military aviation operations in the southwestern United States. Its strategic location in the high desert environment provides unique operational capabilities for advanced flight training and testing.

Flying Conditions

Weather conditions at Holloman AFB demonstrate exceptionally stable VFR flying conditions, with 96.4% of observations reporting visual flight rules. The prevailing wind from the south (180°) averages 6.9 knots, with maximum gusts reaching 27 knots and calm periods occurring 17.6% of the time. Temperature ranges from -6°C to 36°C, providing pilots with predictable and generally favorable meteorological environments.

Notable Features

The airport features three substantial parallel runways with similar orientations, allowing maximum operational flexibility across different wind conditions. Its high desert location presents minimal terrain complications, with expansive airspace and limited atmospheric obstructions. The base's multiple long runways (10,575ft, 12,800ft, 12,131ft) accommodate a wide variety of aircraft types and mission profiles.

Approach Considerations

All three runways demonstrate 100% favorable wind alignments, with minimal average crosswind components ranging from 3.5 to 5.1 knots. Runway 04/22 and 07/25 offer particularly robust approach options with extensive runway lengths exceeding 10,000 feet. Pilots can expect consistent, predictable approach conditions, especially during the statistically optimal VFR months of January, September, and October.